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From Key Largo to Key West, campers in the Florida Keys have a bevy of RV campgrounds from which to choose. Whether you crave the solitude of a wooded park or a social community of RV'ers, you'll find a campground that makes your home away from home feel even homier.

Public RV Campgrounds

In the Florida Keys, RV campers can set up camp at one of three state-run campgrounds. All three of these campgrounds--John Pennekamp, Long Key, and Bahia Honda--have RV sites with electric and water as well as a dump station on site. These campgrounds allow pets in certain areas and have canoe, kayak, and, in some instances, bike rentals. Each park has a laundry, hot water bathhouses and easy waterfront access. Long Key State Park has all beachfront camp sites.

Private RV Campgrounds

The Florida Keys has an abundance of privately owned and operated campgrounds as well. Most of these campgrounds are not as heavily wooded as the state parks, but many are on the water. Amenities will vary from one campground to another; rather than rely on web information, call these parks to confirm what amenities are available.

What to Bring

Every one of the Florida Keys have different types of businesses. As of August 2010 the Keys have three supermarkets: Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine house these three markets. Key West also has several supermarkets. These markets have most foods and sundries available elsewhere, but if you only have your RV to drive, consider stocking up in Key Largo or before you get there. Prices as of 2010 were not dramatically different as compared with other supermarkets in Florida.

Fuel

As with groceries, fuel--this includes diesel, gasoline, and propane --does not cost more in the Keys than it does in points immediately north. Fuel in Florida City may cost more than it does in Key Largo, so resist the urge to fuel up or stock up before you drop off the mainland. Of course, make sure you have enough gas in your RV to make it from Florida City to Key Largo, but don't worry about price gouging on the island.

Pets

Although the state parks welcome pets in certain areas, remember that you cannot tie out your dog at any public RV camp site. No state park allows pets on its beaches. Some private RV campgrounds don't allow pets at all, including visiting pets, so if you're traveling with Fluffy or Spot, make sure you can have pets.

Remember, too, that leaving a pet inside a closed RV with no ventilation can be deadly quickly in the Florida heat, even in the winter. Keep your pets leashed when walking, as the temptation to chase new smells--including raccoons and snakes, both common--may be too much for a city dog to resist.

Resources

About the Author

Cathy Salustri started writing professionally in 1995. Salustri's work about Floridana, tourism and the environment appears in the "Gabber," "Southwinds Sailing" and Visit Florida Web and print publications. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Florida studies at the University of South Florida, focusing on historic Florida tourist attractions.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.